Today’s song is a magical celebration. When k.d. lang, Laura Veirs, and Neko Case combined forces as case/lang/veirs, they brough three compatible but distinct approaches to music into a lovely whole. Most of the songs are led by one of the trio, but the moments of full collaboration are even more special.

I Want to Be Here is a sort of quirky lullaby, a charming acoustic number with resonant background sounds. The three singers fuse their voices into a single instrument. It’s an amazing accomplishment, reminiscent of the finer moments of the Roches. Promising to live in the moment rather than be distracted by what might come, they offer a wonderful celebration of hope.

Today’s song is a delightful collaboration. Singer k.d. lang was considering retiring from performing, but decided she wanted to “be part of a band, a real collaborative effort.” She emailed Neko Case and Laura Veirs about working together, and both responded quickly and enthusiastically. Their shared alt-country/folk/quirky pop approaches blended nicely — as did their voices. After some time touring together, the trio recorded the album case/lang/veirs.

The opening track sets the stage perfectly. Atomic Number feels a bit like a Neko Case track with its natural imagery, elliptical lyrics, and surging musical energy. The use of each vocalist in sequence on the opening lines, however, makes it clear that this is something special. That pattern repeats, with the trio offering magical harmonies on the chorus. Pondering “why are the wholesome things the ones we make obscene?” over beautiful strings, case/lang/veirs promises a great musical journey, a promise fulfilled over the course of the album.